Chambers: 'Parks was the best import I've ever played against'

MANILA, Philippines – Bobby Parks was a legend on and off the court.

Even his opponents would attest to that.

Parks, who died yesterday due to complications that stemmed from his laryngeal (throat) cancer, is revered as one of the greatest imports who played in the PBA.

Sean Chambers, who went to countless battles against Parks in the PBA, showed a lot of respect for his old nemesis on the court but a good friend off it on his Facebook page on Sunday.

“Sad to hear, my dear friend Bobby Ray Parks was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. Bobby was the best import I've ever played against in the Philippines,” said Chambers, who also became a staple in the PBA in the 90's

Three years after the former Memphis State star got selected in the third round as the 58^th overall pick of the Atlanta Hawks in the 1984 NBA Rookie Draft class that included future NBA Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan, Parks found himself playing in the PBA.

Sean Chambers

In 1987, Parks started his career in the Philippines that would extend to 12 years and eventually became his second home. In 1989, Chambers followed. 

After playing briefly with San Miguel Beer under another PBA legendary import and coach Norman Black, Parks transferred to Shell franchise where he became synonymous with the team along with its dynamic local tandem of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc.  

At the end of his PBA career, Parks was one of the only three imports to have scored at least 8,000 points in the league according to PBA Stats Bureau chief Fidel Mangonon III, with the other two being Black and Chambers.

While Chambers had won the Best Import only once (during Alaska’s historic 1996 Grandslam run), Parks set the bar high for the imports by winning the award an unprecedented seven times during his colorful career.  In 2008, Parks was inducted to the PBA Hall of Fame. 

“There were moments when I would be in awe of Bobby talents and work ethics. Bobby had tremendous basketball skills level, to go along with his high IQ. Bobby was tough as nails on the basketball court and a true gentleman with a big kind heart off the court,” Chambers added.

“The Philippines basketball world has truly lost a great one. I will miss my friend Bobby, rest in peace.”